Abstract
Parenting is a rewarding challenge to be experienced by any adult, regardless of ability. This small scale qualitative study
seeks to understand the experiences of parents with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their use of aids and adaptations in caring
for their young children. Twelve parents with SCI were interviewed at either Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Toronto,
or in their homes. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory thematic approach. Themes identified included: (1) Psychosocial
Aspect of Parenting, (2) Social Attitudes, (3) Division of Labour, (4) Physical Aspect of Parenting, and (5) Resources and
Services. These themes enabled the development of an emerging model for managing childcare. Findings led to recommendations
for parents with SCI, healthcare providers, and manufacturers of assistive technology to provide strategies for managing child
care, improve access and availability of resources, services, and products.
seeks to understand the experiences of parents with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their use of aids and adaptations in caring
for their young children. Twelve parents with SCI were interviewed at either Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Toronto,
or in their homes. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory thematic approach. Themes identified included: (1) Psychosocial
Aspect of Parenting, (2) Social Attitudes, (3) Division of Labour, (4) Physical Aspect of Parenting, and (5) Resources and
Services. These themes enabled the development of an emerging model for managing childcare. Findings led to recommendations
for parents with SCI, healthcare providers, and manufacturers of assistive technology to provide strategies for managing child
care, improve access and availability of resources, services, and products.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s11195-011-9238-0
- Authors
- Anita Kaiser, Department of Research, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 62 Bond Crescent, Richmond Hill, Toronto, ON L4E 3K5, Canada
- Denise Reid, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kathryn A. Boschen, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Journal Sexuality and Disability
- Online ISSN 1573-6717
- Print ISSN 0146-1044